Azleet has thrust herself into contention for the Betfred 1000 Guineas after pulling off a remarkable 50-1 win in the Lanwades Stud Nell Gwyn Stakes. Trained by Stuart Williams, the three-year-old filly, who won two of her seven starts as a juvenile but had previously fallen short at Listed and Group-race level, was largely overlooked for her seasonal debut in this key trial for the first fillies' Classic of the year.
Ridden by Marco Ghiani, Azleet was settled at the rear of the 12-strong field early on but began to make her move inside the last three furlongs, finding her stride on the rising ground. In a thrilling finish, she battled it out with America Queen in the final half-furlong, prevailing by a neck, with Act Of Kindness a length and a half further back in third. Following the victory, Williams expressed his intention to take a chance with Azleet in the 1000 Guineas, citing her high-class ability and previous strong finish in a race where she had a poor start.
America Queen, trained by Richard Hughes, is set to wait an extra week before heading to France for her shot at Classic glory in the French Guineas. Meanwhile, Charlie Appleby may target a Listed prize at York with Act Of Kindness, feeling she could excel later in the season. In other racing news, Damysus made a dominant comeback in the Betway Earl of Sefton Stakes, and Morshdi announced himself as a Derby contender with victory in the Betway Feilden Stakes.